I am trying to make a decision for a competition saddle pad...?

Question

I run barrels, and am getting more competitive, hauling a few times a week. I am trying to decide what pad would work best and what its strongest and weakest points are, what people love or hate about them, etc. I've got it narrowed down to two pads: The Impact Gel pad, or the ESP pad by Classic Equine. I'm looking for educated opinions, no slanderous comments, please. If you don't like either of these pads and simply want to trash talk, please refrain from posting your answer.

Answer 1

ThinLine makes a Western saddle pad. I've used their English products and LOVE them, GREAT for your horse's back. You should check it out!

http://www.thinlineinc.com/store/cart.ph...

Answer 2

It would be nice if you posted some pics

Answer 3

I'm not familiar with either pad unfortunately, but I've seen gel pads and am not impressed.

I've been buying toklat pads nowadays.  Their coolback pads (Non wool), seem to be like the ones I've purchased since '74 when one was given to me as a gift (I still have it and it's still servicable!).  They are kind on a horse's back and you can take them home and stick them in the washer and dryer and have them CLEAN for the next day's use.

http://www.toklat.com/dyn_prodlist.php?k...

I'd go with the standard coolback 30" x 30" but they do have a woolback barrel pad.

Answer 4

i took the time to look up both of those.

hmm.. i think either would work great, but id go for the.. Gel pad.. might be more comfy for your horse.

but the ESP pad would prolly work just as well. hard to choose